Do and Don't: Missing Bottoms

Mannequins exist to sell products. They are there to grab customer attention and invite them in for a closer inspection. As with anything in retail, attention to detail is crucial in grabbing the RIGHT attention.

DO: I appreciate how the mannequin is dressed and the clothing displayed on it can be immediately found merchandised behind it. Makes shopping a breeze!

DON'T: Where's the bottom of the front mannequin? This surely attracted attention, but the wrong kind. I noticed customers noticing it not for the clothing displayed, but rather for the lack of it. Imagine little boys laughing so hard.

Do and Don't: When Negative Space is Good

DO: Negative space from the floor is a good thing. Keep items off the ground to keep their perceived values. No one wants to purchase clothing that's been sitting on the floor.

DON'T: Items hitting the floor sends a negative impression. Keep merchandise at least three inches off the ground. Most customers' impression of the floor is that it is unsanitary. Besides, clothing can be easily snagged when customers walk pass this section.

Do and Don't: Am I Too Fat?

DO: Allow enough room for customers to browse through merchandise on the back wall. After all, there are more merchandise displayed here than on the front feature table. At least three feet of space between fixtures is good.

DON'T: I realize that space is at a premium, however who can ever fit in between this feature table and the wall to comfortably browse through the wall merchandise selection? I can't even imagine how anyone, skinny or otherwise, access this section.

Do and Don't: Housekeeping- Inventory Replenishment

DO: This is a wonderful display. One that is not only fully merchandised but invites customers to buy in multiples- a top, a jacket and pants. DON'T: Don't leave a selling opportunity unutilized at any moment. What a waste of prime real estate!